Exploring the intergenerational loss and gain of the Welsh language: How schools matter

This Data Insight provides new insights on the intergenerational transmission of the Welsh language available through the use of administrative data. It explores how attendance at either English or Welsh medium schools contributes to the intergenerational loss or gain in Welsh language skills. Based upon the self-reported language skills of young adults, rates of intergenerational transmission among the children of two Welsh speaking parents is estimated to be 79%. This declines to under half of those with one Welsh-speaking parent (46%). These rates of language loss are not being offset by rates of language gain among the children of non-Welsh speakers. However, the gap is small and could be offset by the increased provision of Welsh medium education.